As long as you know your limits, schedule, work ethic and, most importantly, yourself, you will be successful in any class or path you wish to take. I go to 2 clubs. 4. “You should only take an AP course if you’re really interested in going into that [class], like APUSH right now, history is cool to me but I’m not trying to pursue it at all so my APUSH course right now. According to a study from The Pew Research Center, the pressure associated with getting into college has increased at a steady pace, with anxiety and depression becoming real side effects, leaving 17- and 18-year-olds to do whatever it takes to get into their dream school. I love those classes so much-it entregues me and it pulls me in so much that I want to do the work for it,” Ramirez said. Advanced Placement (AP) classes aim to prepare high school students for the rigors and expectations of college-level academics through more challenging courses. AP classes are considered college-level courses. Just like many of you, I am involved around the school in clubs and sports; although hard to balance, I knew that I wanted and could handle the challenge. With increasing pressure to enroll in AP courses, not only for college credit but also for the weighted GPA, it is no wonder that students often find their grades suffering and their stress levels soaring. Looking back on all the negative effects of Advanced Placement classes, does the stress seem to be worth it? “ For me, the stress … If you enjoy what you are doing and can handle the workload, “it can be very enjoyable and rewarding to learn,” Parimi said. But, there are two examples, Pre-AP world geography and Pre-AP world history, that do give their students the option to do some extra studying and extra things to get prepared for the AP exam. Those who do take AP classes, rigorous courses that allow students to earn college credits early, end up stressing out as they frantically attempt to learn new ways of writing, thinking, studying, living. For him, he knew his limits and what he could take and, to be honest, that is all you need in this process. I know a passing grade in a regular class is better than a failing grade in an AP class, but it just doesn’t go through my brain. AP classes can help you in many ways. He recognized his interests and decided to act upon them; the fact that this all coincided with a fairly impressive resume for colleges is just icing on the cake. But, usually the sponsors or coaches that involve those UIL activities will also have waivers and that process that they can explain to students as well,” Tarbox said. “But, AP english, AP U.S. history, or math maybe-that’s not going to help me, I’m not interested in that.”, AP classesbalancing coursesCourtney TarboxEmma RamirezgradesLauryn HughesRegular classesstress. The only time a Dual Credit course gets a multiplier that’s different is if its’ non-AP class. But, know that if I take AP english with the rest of my AP courses, it’s not going to be good for me, it’s going to hurt me,” Ramirez said. As we close out the first semester of the school year, many are beginning to look into and select classes for next year. A question that arises within many students is if all the stress that comes along with AP classes is really worth it. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide: PRO: AP coursework prepares students better for the rigors of … Many of the classes were really fun and I’ve learned so much. And, taking an honors course over an AP is not in any way “a step down,” and it certainly does not mean you will not get accepted into the most prestigious universities. There are reasons for taking AP tests. When asked about what she looks for in a student, she claimed that he/she should “enjoy learning math.”. Although there are many perspectives on this issue, I would personally urge you not to take an AP just because colleges “like it.”  Not only will you be miserable, but doing so may not even increase your chances of acceptance into a particular school. Multiyear Study Investigates Stress in IB and AP Students IES Grant. Skip to Main Content. I'm starting to think that not taking AP Us History was a mistake, but during course selections I felt like I wouldn't be able to handle the stress of 4 honors and and AP class, considering that I'm easily stressed out (even over stupid things). To me, this brings up two thoughts I had when going through this process. But is the rigor that AP courses require worth the stress? “I think AP classes are so worthwhile, I just think that somehow stress needs to be alleviated because most of us put our academics and education before our mental health and you can feel how sad and how tired everyone is, but I feel like AP classes are helping me learn a lot about myself and I’m growing as a student.” ~Ellie Nguyen What are AP classes? Does the stress and pressure outweigh the benefits of AP courses? Are they worth the extra work and stress? When I broke the big question to Parimi of whether or not APs were worth the stress, he easily said, “yes, definitely. So the ranks and multiplier system set up now shows that if a student is in an AP course it will get a 1.29 multiplier,” Tarbox said. Many teenagers wonder if taking an AP class is worth the stress and work that it brings. Netflix Christmas Edition, The Tiktok trends you may – or may not – care about. As a take away, both AP and regular courses are beneficial, depending on the individual student and what they can handle. TikTok is more than just dancing. I take all honors classes (excluding electives) and I'll be taking all honors classes next year. There are a lot of benefits to taking AP classes, but sometimes students have to decide if the stress is worth it. But, what makes him so successful is not his sheer intelligence, but rather that he knew what he could handle and had the right attitude when deciding to take an AP. If anything, AP classes helped me lessen my liberal education requirements which lets me add on a minor and take a few fun, random classes along the way. Every day, I'd walk to classes barely awake: too worried about falling asleep in class and missing something important yet too sleepy to focus and learn the material the first time around. Another perk is the multiplier which AP students receive. My AP bio[logy] though, I love science, I want to go into forensics. It teaches you time management and you have to study a lot more material and pay attention to small details you wouldn’t normally take a second glance at. to take an AP just because colleges “like it.”  Not only will you be miserable, but doing so may not even increase your chances of acceptance into a particular school. A2A: Are all those honor and AP classes in high school really worth the hard work and stress in college? Taking an AP class is a big decision, and kids can end up with a great benefit, or it can be a waste of energy and time. Poole added onto this sentiment by saying students should take something that is going to be “relevant to what you do or are thinking about doing in college.”  Students should “make sure they are taking the class for the right reasons,” and it “should definitely not be a resume booster.”. And it becomes less stressful throughout the year as you adapt to the workload.”, Poole went so far as to say it is “okay to be stressed; if a student is well prepared and passionate about the subject, stress is okay.”. Anyone can take an AP test to attempt to earn college credit, but most regular courses don’t cover the AP exam material. This is her third year as a staff member for the Johnson newspaper and her first year as the arts editor. Josie Brewer, Staff Writer February 11, 2018 In the past few years, Erie high school, among other public schools, has heavily encouraged AP classes, advertising the many advantages, especially the college credits you can earn. While he also deals with the personal problems of students, he is mainly tasked with reviewing students’ course selection sheets, recommending classes to take, and guiding students through the college process. I firmly believe your performance in a class is based on your interest in the subject. JES RUVALCABA / UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL In … AP classes can help your grade point average This is a huge factor in why many students take APs, even more so than in using them to opt out of college classes. “I’m taking AP U.S. history, AP psych and AP biology, and then I’m taking Pre-AP algebra two, regular english and forensic science, but there’s no AP course for that,” Ramirez said. But, I feel like if I drop those classes and I stop doing those AP classes, it’s going to hurt my GPA. AP classes give you a better knowledge in many aspects and it challenges you to do your best. But, I, as well as others, are here to tell you that APs are not all that scary in the end. But 10 tests and $750 later, I can say this for certain: none of them applied to us. Lauryn Hughes is a senior. Your email address will not be published. “The district years ago had set up a system to encourage students to challenge themselves with rigorous courses and be rewarded, because we know it takes a lot of extra time and a lot of extra effort to be successful in those classes. Making choices to save her sanity during the school year and prepare her for what she plans in the future. I'm a junior and my classes are AP Psychology AP Spanish 3 AP English 3 Chemistry Honors Precal Honors Academy Class ROP (Feels like AP class) I get so stressed out from doing my best for this schedule but it isn't enough. “There are a few scenarios where you can, but usually there is not an AP exam associated with on level courses. In reality, AP courses have become mere trophies, adding little more than volume and sparkle to a competitive college application. Poole added onto this sentiment by saying students should take something that is going to be “relevant to what you do or are thinking about doing in college.”  Students should “make sure they are taking the class for the right reasons,” and it “should definitely, Trump Supporters Infiltrate Capitol Building: For Live Updates, Click Here. They hear that AP classes are extremely difficult, and perhaps feel that they are not smart enough to take them. This becomes an even more apparent matter when evaluating AP test scores at Licking Valley. Regardless of what grade you are in, taking college courses at such a young age is certainly daunting and stress-inducing; the fact that you are already stressing over a course you have yet to take or even sign up for is most definitely discouraging. When I broke the big question to Parimi of whether or not APs were worth the stress, he easily said, “yes, definitely. As an underclassman, I would probably be thinking to myself “screw my enjoyment, I am trying to get into college.”  But, taking these AP courses does not mean anything if you do not do well in them. AP classes have many benefits, but are they worth the stress for everyone? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It increases your GPA, help you out with college in the future, and improves your knowledge in that certain subject. Luckily for you, I am doing the research and, as a student who has taken multiple APs throughout high school, I hope I can offer some guidance. Like Meghna's experience with AP's, staying up until 2 or 3 a.m. every night to keep up the load of four AP classes seemed like the norm to stay up to par with classmates and class curriculum. 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